The Best Free Travel Apps for Android Users

This off page blog was inspired by my experience on the Windstream customer service number. It aims to highlight some free travel apps compatible with Android so that casual/business travelers can make use of them.

Last week I abruptly had to travel to Madrid from New York for business. Now, for someone who is not very travel savvy, this can be mildly challenging. I had some trouble using the travel tool that comes with my high speed internet connection. This prompted me to call the Windstream customer service number for help, who were more than accommodating. I was lucky enough to have support in the face of sudden travel plans, but not everyone is.

Here are some great free apps to help those not so fortunate. All you need is an internet connection and an Android phone. So let’s get into it straight away.

1. TripAdvisor:

TripAdvisor is perhaps one of the best crowdsourcing travel apps available on Android. It gives you information, reviews, videos and images of establishments all around the world. You can browse through tons of hotels, restaurants, local attractions and eateries, basing your choices on reviews by real people. It even allows you to check air fares as well as add information by submitting your own reviews. Finally, it helps you locate points of interest around your location while travelling. All in all, a handy app to have on your phone.

2. AirBnB:

AirBnB is one of the most popular travel apps today. It has a range of accommodation listings from small apartments to BnBs to mansions. Meaning an adventurous traveler always has a range of options at various prices in any country in the world. I find this to be a great addition to my travel toolkit. I would recommend it to all travelers, whether local or international.

3. Google Translate:

Google translate is a must have if you are travelling in a country with a language barrier. In addition to the traditional translation, you can now use your camera to instantly translate text. I find it especially useful in reading signs, warnings and instructions. Google has even introduced a real time speech translator that lets you talk to people who speak a different language. All this functionality in a free app almost seems too good to be true.

4. KAYAK:

KAYAK is an app that has been around for some time. I find it to be very convenient and handy when it comes to bookings. Kayak allows you to book rental cars, flights and hotel rooms. Additionally, it allows you to explore locations in advance so you can decide where you want to go. It also provides forecasts, deals and price alerts so you can get the best deal out of your travels.

5. ACCUWeather:

The best laid of travel plans can go awry if the weather isn’t favorable. I find ACCUWeather to be the most reliable weather forecast app around. Its world class weather radar provides both local and international forecasts with accurate reports about weather conditions. And, it’s free!

6. Packpoint:

This is the perfect app for people like me who have trouble deciding what to pack for a trip. Packpoint provides a packing checklist to users depending on the nature of the trip. Simply make a trip profile and the app will tell you what to pack. Results are based on weather forecasts, duration of the trip and the nature of the trip (business or pleasure). I find this to be extremely helpful when feeling overwhelmed about packing for a long trip.

7. Uber:

Finding a ride in a new city used to be a huge hassle before the advent of Uber. Apps like Uber have revolutionized the transit process. I find the concept to be beautiful in its simplicity. Just download the app, link a credit card and book a ride. A vetted driver will arrive to take you to your destination, with the estimated fare shown upfront. I use Uber both for casual and business travels in every city I visit.

8. AirHelp:

There is nothing more frustration than flight cancellations and delays. It upsets all your travel plans and is a major inconvenience. I recently discovered AirHelp, a free app that allows you to file compensation claims in these situations. All you have to do is enter your details and scan your boarding pass, after which AirHelp will take over. They will handle all the processing, paperwork and even legal action. Once the claim is successful, the money is deposited in your bank account.

Nowadays when it’s simple to find anything from hairdressers to Cable and Internet Providers in my area, these free apps are essential. You will find they make an invaluable addition to your travel toolkit and most importantly, they are all free.

Author Bio:

Stephen N. Mills is an entrepreneur, marketer, and writer. As San Francisco resident, he loves reading books and writing on different topics like SEO, Branding, Health and etc. That’s where he finds his inspiration to author in-depth guides that teach E-commerce store owners ways to manage, grow and scale their business. In a former life, Stephen co-founded a custom menswear company which generates 6-figures in annual revenue through its website and retail.